Crusaders winger Sean Maitland has signed a 3-year deal with the Glasgow Warriors in Scotland, the same club for which former Lions number 8 Josh Strauss is now playing.

The 24-year-old Maitland, like so many other Kiwis, has a Scottish grandparent and thus qualifies not only for the ancestral visa which will allow him to work (i.e. play) in the UK without requiring a work permit, but also to represent the Scottish national side immediately, if selected. Tighter immigration rules in the UK have made it incredibly hard for players who don’t have “proven international pedigree” to obtain the necessary visas to join clubs in England, Scotland or Wales, making a player like Maitland an ever-more -precious commodity to the likes of Glasgow.

Matiland has played for New Zealand at under 20 level and has also represented the Maori All Blacks, so it remains to be seen whether he would accepts a Scottish call-up if it were to come, or rather sees this move as short term and intends to return to New Zealand to push for All Black selection in 2015.

“We’re delighted to be welcoming a player of Sean Maitland’s calibre to Glasgow Warriors,” said Glasgow coach (and former Sharks flyhalf) Gregor Townsend.

“He will be a fantastic addition to our squad and will, I’m sure, be very popular with our supporters.”